Simchat Torah (last day of feast of tabernacle) is a holiday which even the secular Jew (most of them) love. It’s when Jews go out into the streets with Torah scrolls, dancing and singing, also with them many believers from all over the world, who get excited and sing and dance along with the Jews.
All this happens every year, but not this year, Simchat Torah on the last Shabbat (10/07/23).
This Saturday was different. A Sabbath of destruction and annihilation!
Thousands of terrorists crossed the border from Gaza and entered Israel, by sea, by air (drones) and by land, destroying the separation fence and breaking into the settlements bordering Gaza, kibbutzim, villages and cities such as Sderot, Ofakim and Ashkelon.
They went into the settlements, broke into the houses, killed children, killed women, and they killed the men.
The night before, thousands of young people between the ages of 22 and 40 were having a big party in an open field nearby. The party was to end around 6:30 in the morning, but at that very moment, suddenly, thousands of rockets came down while at the same time, thousands of terrorists started shooting and killing these young people, abusing the wounded and taking prisoners.
At the time of writing of these lines, there is still uncertainty, we only know that there is a catastrophe but still do not have an understanding of the magnitude of it.
On Sunday, the army will begin to recruit the soldiers of the reserves.
It is true that we are in great pain. The grief is great. I could compare it to Israel being a wounded lion at the moment. But a wounded lion will fight and defend itself even more bravely when the Lord of all the earth is on its side.
I want to remind us all of what the book of Jeremiah says: “Alas, for that day is greater than any other like it, and the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it …” (Jeremiah 30:7).
Creator of the world with the people He chose, He was and is and will be with the people of Israel forever, as it says: “…for I am with you, says God to save you, for I will bring annihilation among the nations among which I have dispersed you, but upon you I will not bring annihilation, and I will give you over to judgment, but I will never eliminate you completely” (Jeremiah 30:11).
And something personal for every believer who loves the Lord of all the earth. The Lord of the whole earth, who created every fly, every plant, and every little seed. He is the same God who looks into our souls, especially when each soul is a part of Him and belongs to him.
And regarding the IDF? Just as David said: “…from the blood of martyrs, from the milk of heroes, Jonathan’s bow will not be drawn back, and Saul’s sword will not return empty…” (2 Sam 1:22).
The Maker of the world is in the camp, among the soldiers!
Come and let us pray!
God on high who dwells in might, the King to whom peace belongs, look down from Your holy habitation and bless the soldiers of the military forces who risk their lives for the sake of peace on earth. Let all the inhabitants of the earth know that sovereignty is Yours and Your name inspires awe over all You have created – and let us all say Amen
May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family and your community.
From the land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem
Your brother in faith Mordechai ben Yaakov
